YES!
I have DONE it! I've finally beaten Mandy Roth at her own game. I AM #1!!!
*singing "We Are the Champions"*
Yep. What He Wants is #1 in the Erotica section at Fictionwise.
And let just assure you...the scream I let out scared the hell out of my cat. See? Double perk.
I'm the main attraction the Whiskey Creek Press Reader's Group today. You can join here.
I'll be chatting all day Tuesday. As if you don't get enough of me in this venue. *snickering*
You are now reading the blog of a woman who will start working FORTY hours a week next week.
If you think I'm crazed and off my nut now...just wait. It gets better!
Oh. And did I tell you that I promised my publisher to "whip up" a short story to match the one I just subbed? *nodding*
As soon as I do that...then I get a happy release date. (This news was alluded to before)
This is all my good news for now.
Grins*
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Monday, August 07, 2006
Parameters
Seems I once again missed the big Ta-Do at RWA. Or at least the cluster some chick named Jan something-or-other started over a letter.
Thanks to Rene. I really DO need to keep up on one person's utter stupidity and how it affects the masses.
Jan wrote a letter to RWA pushing the definition of "romance" as between "one man and one woman."
Anyone hearing Dubya's voice? I am.
Sure. She can push this crap on the masses until her hands become arthritic and the rest of her gray matter rots. That's her prerogative.
But to think that it represents MOST of RWA...and that some are just TOO scared to say anything...is bullshit.
She's puffed herself up quite a bit. Inflated. Same difference.
So I googled what Rene suggested I google. And I hit upon Kate Rothwell's blog, which I read upon occasion.
There she posted snippets of the lunacy letter. And posts her opinion.
It's rather delicious.
But what I REALLY like is the fact that Nora Roberts has ALSO posted responses. *nodding*
Jan felt the need to hold Nora up as an example and spout her nonsense.
Nora responds back that those are HER experiences. And therefore, (and stick with me), she probably knows them best.
OH. MY. GOD.
I adore this woman.
I'm liberal by most standards. *shrug* It is what it is. But I do believe in Freedom of Speech.
I do, however, have a problem with someone who has a God complex.
Grins*
Thanks to Rene. I really DO need to keep up on one person's utter stupidity and how it affects the masses.
Jan wrote a letter to RWA pushing the definition of "romance" as between "one man and one woman."
Anyone hearing Dubya's voice? I am.
Sure. She can push this crap on the masses until her hands become arthritic and the rest of her gray matter rots. That's her prerogative.
But to think that it represents MOST of RWA...and that some are just TOO scared to say anything...is bullshit.
She's puffed herself up quite a bit. Inflated. Same difference.
So I googled what Rene suggested I google. And I hit upon Kate Rothwell's blog, which I read upon occasion.
There she posted snippets of the lunacy letter. And posts her opinion.
It's rather delicious.
But what I REALLY like is the fact that Nora Roberts has ALSO posted responses. *nodding*
Jan felt the need to hold Nora up as an example and spout her nonsense.
Nora responds back that those are HER experiences. And therefore, (and stick with me), she probably knows them best.
OH. MY. GOD.
I adore this woman.
I'm liberal by most standards. *shrug* It is what it is. But I do believe in Freedom of Speech.
I do, however, have a problem with someone who has a God complex.
Grins*
Google me
I LOVE to be googled. Oh yes. I'm a dirty, dirty girl.
*blinking*
Oh. Yeah.
Googling.
Not quite as sexy as it sounds but still thrilling.
You can put a Google Alert on anything. I have one on Crystal Inman and the other on C'ann Inman. And I get a kick out of receiving an alert and noting which links were clicked.
It's rather telling.
You can see if someone has clicked on your website. Or your publisher's link. Or Fictionwise. And it's a great backtrack measure to find links you didn't even know existed.
Also...got a bit of good news this evening. But I'm going to wait until the other shoe drops to share.
hehehe
I've been DYING to do that.
Grins*
*blinking*
Oh. Yeah.
Googling.
Not quite as sexy as it sounds but still thrilling.
You can put a Google Alert on anything. I have one on Crystal Inman and the other on C'ann Inman. And I get a kick out of receiving an alert and noting which links were clicked.
It's rather telling.
You can see if someone has clicked on your website. Or your publisher's link. Or Fictionwise. And it's a great backtrack measure to find links you didn't even know existed.
Also...got a bit of good news this evening. But I'm going to wait until the other shoe drops to share.
hehehe
I've been DYING to do that.
Grins*
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Fish: The Next Generation
We decided one day that the kids needed fish. They were fairly low-maintenance. (The fish. NOT the kids.) Pretty to watch. (Ditto)
So each kid picked out two fish. There were six regular fish and two cleaners.
All of a sudden...they were dying off. I had flashbacks of Michelle's "Tank of Death" posts. Then I realized that I had uttered the foolish promise of replacing whatever fish died. I didn't expect quite a huge turnover though.
So we waited for a bit.
This morning, I was informed that the goldfish and blackfish that were left decided to procreate. Lo and behold...my tank now has two adults, one cleaner, and five baby fish.
The kids are excited. I'm cautiously optimistic.
I'm not stepping foot outside today. It's the 24th day in a row that's above the 100 mark. And today is supposed to be 105 or some other ridiculous number.
I'm working on my Contemporary Erotic. Around 10,000 words to go. And I feel good about it. I want it done by August 15th, and it shall be so. *grins*
The Whiskey Creek Press Authors are chatting at Coffee Time Romance this evening at 7 pm CST. That's 8 pm EST. 5 pm Pacific.
Drop by if you've the inclination.
Grins*
So each kid picked out two fish. There were six regular fish and two cleaners.
All of a sudden...they were dying off. I had flashbacks of Michelle's "Tank of Death" posts. Then I realized that I had uttered the foolish promise of replacing whatever fish died. I didn't expect quite a huge turnover though.
So we waited for a bit.
This morning, I was informed that the goldfish and blackfish that were left decided to procreate. Lo and behold...my tank now has two adults, one cleaner, and five baby fish.
The kids are excited. I'm cautiously optimistic.
I'm not stepping foot outside today. It's the 24th day in a row that's above the 100 mark. And today is supposed to be 105 or some other ridiculous number.
I'm working on my Contemporary Erotic. Around 10,000 words to go. And I feel good about it. I want it done by August 15th, and it shall be so. *grins*
The Whiskey Creek Press Authors are chatting at Coffee Time Romance this evening at 7 pm CST. That's 8 pm EST. 5 pm Pacific.
Drop by if you've the inclination.
Grins*
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Diary of a mad, black woman
I watched this on one of the Showtime channels last night. It was one of those rather long evenings where sleep was long in coming, but my headache thought it would cozy up and stay awhile.
This movie is one of the best I've ever seen. Period.
It had heart, humor, and realism.
I found myself on the edge of the bed...waiting. Then crying a bit here and there. I could have done without the "Officer and a Gentleman" ending, but the rest was absolutely wonderful. Evenly threaded. Wonderfully written.
Took the chickens to a city-wide garage sale today.
(My aching feet. Sheesh.)
The kids got lots of clothes. Thank goodness.
Thinking about retitling my blog, "Diary of a short, white girl."
What do you think?
Grins*
This movie is one of the best I've ever seen. Period.
It had heart, humor, and realism.
I found myself on the edge of the bed...waiting. Then crying a bit here and there. I could have done without the "Officer and a Gentleman" ending, but the rest was absolutely wonderful. Evenly threaded. Wonderfully written.
Took the chickens to a city-wide garage sale today.
(My aching feet. Sheesh.)
The kids got lots of clothes. Thank goodness.
Thinking about retitling my blog, "Diary of a short, white girl."
What do you think?
Grins*
Friday, August 04, 2006
Phantom keyboarding
It has begun.
Life is cutting into my writing time. *sigh*
I didn't blog yesterday! I didn't write a word!!!
The interesting tidbit of the evening? Apparently my keyboard has been heard tapping while I'm asleep.
Yeah.
Who else is freaked out?
Maybe it's my subconscious trying to get its licks in. Geez. Just what I need. REALLY no rest for the wicked. *snickering*
I interview Monday for the forty-hour per week job. Fingers crossed.
The "Sooner Nation" has been rocked.
Okay. For those of you who live in college football states...you know what I'm talking about. Sports are HUGE here. And the Oklahoma Sooners are at the top of the heap.
But, unfortunately, there is a small problem. Seems our chosen quarterback and another member of the team decided that taking $18,000 per year for a 5 hour week from a booster was a good idea.
Can you believe that crap?
First of all, if I worked FORTY hours a week...I wouldn't make that much money. Second, they KNEW it was wrong. Guess the greed just got to them. And third...if I hear the term "Sooner Nation" one more freakin' time...someone better have emergency services on speed-dial. I am SO not kidding.
Had something else to say. *pondering*
We had a big electric storm/monsoon last night. The electric was out for around two hours.
Picture this: Four children. Pent up in a house. With only their collective imaginations used for something to do.
I laughed until I hurt.
Who else smells a new reality television show?
Grins*
Life is cutting into my writing time. *sigh*
I didn't blog yesterday! I didn't write a word!!!
The interesting tidbit of the evening? Apparently my keyboard has been heard tapping while I'm asleep.
Yeah.
Who else is freaked out?
Maybe it's my subconscious trying to get its licks in. Geez. Just what I need. REALLY no rest for the wicked. *snickering*
I interview Monday for the forty-hour per week job. Fingers crossed.
The "Sooner Nation" has been rocked.
Okay. For those of you who live in college football states...you know what I'm talking about. Sports are HUGE here. And the Oklahoma Sooners are at the top of the heap.
But, unfortunately, there is a small problem. Seems our chosen quarterback and another member of the team decided that taking $18,000 per year for a 5 hour week from a booster was a good idea.
Can you believe that crap?
First of all, if I worked FORTY hours a week...I wouldn't make that much money. Second, they KNEW it was wrong. Guess the greed just got to them. And third...if I hear the term "Sooner Nation" one more freakin' time...someone better have emergency services on speed-dial. I am SO not kidding.
Had something else to say. *pondering*
We had a big electric storm/monsoon last night. The electric was out for around two hours.
Picture this: Four children. Pent up in a house. With only their collective imaginations used for something to do.
I laughed until I hurt.
Who else smells a new reality television show?
Grins*
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Great Expectations
I borrowed a LKH book from the library the other day. Micah, to be exact.
It was my first.
And let me just say...eh.
There were a couple of nice dialogue pieces. The storyline was fair. Nothing spectacular. And it felt more like a sandwich piece. You know...a filler.
I won't be reading another.
Reading is subjective. LKH has flocks of fans. They like her writing. And that's a wonderful thing. But I certainly won't fall into the LKH legions. I'd rather read a Mary Janice Davidson or Gena Showalter.
There is not a lot of time these days to spend reading books. More's the pity. And I am more in the habit of putting a book down after the first chapter than finishing it. Because why waste that time?
Ever have those Great Expectations dashed? Pick up a recommended book...and be utterly disappointed?
And how far in do you read?
My tolerance has shortened considerably. That surprise anyone?
Grins*
It was my first.
And let me just say...eh.
There were a couple of nice dialogue pieces. The storyline was fair. Nothing spectacular. And it felt more like a sandwich piece. You know...a filler.
I won't be reading another.
Reading is subjective. LKH has flocks of fans. They like her writing. And that's a wonderful thing. But I certainly won't fall into the LKH legions. I'd rather read a Mary Janice Davidson or Gena Showalter.
There is not a lot of time these days to spend reading books. More's the pity. And I am more in the habit of putting a book down after the first chapter than finishing it. Because why waste that time?
Ever have those Great Expectations dashed? Pick up a recommended book...and be utterly disappointed?
And how far in do you read?
My tolerance has shortened considerably. That surprise anyone?
Grins*
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Nicknames
I love nicknames.
My sister and I grew up with nicknames. All my girls have nicknames. Hell, even my animals have nicknames.
Somehow, my orange tabby's name stretched from one to four words. And yes, she only gets all four when she is doing something VERY bad. *laughing*
I've also noticed that when females have longer names, males will shorten the names to sound masculine. I've been "Chrys" forever to my friends. But it was the males who called me that first.
I tend to call my friends "heifer."
Hey! I live in Oklahoma. And I only use it as a term of endearment. Though some don't seem to find it endearing. But it's growing on them. It has to. It's one of the first words out of my mouth. Forget "girlfriend"...use "heifer." It gets their attention faster.
But nicknames are also something very special. People who do NOT know me and try to use "Chrys" receive a blank stare for their efforts. Put in a little time and effort. Start a background with me. THEN, and only then, may use my nickname.
And if you're lucky...I may just call you "heifer."
Grins*
My sister and I grew up with nicknames. All my girls have nicknames. Hell, even my animals have nicknames.
Somehow, my orange tabby's name stretched from one to four words. And yes, she only gets all four when she is doing something VERY bad. *laughing*
I've also noticed that when females have longer names, males will shorten the names to sound masculine. I've been "Chrys" forever to my friends. But it was the males who called me that first.
I tend to call my friends "heifer."
Hey! I live in Oklahoma. And I only use it as a term of endearment. Though some don't seem to find it endearing. But it's growing on them. It has to. It's one of the first words out of my mouth. Forget "girlfriend"...use "heifer." It gets their attention faster.
But nicknames are also something very special. People who do NOT know me and try to use "Chrys" receive a blank stare for their efforts. Put in a little time and effort. Start a background with me. THEN, and only then, may use my nickname.
And if you're lucky...I may just call you "heifer."
Grins*
Monday, July 31, 2006
Mornings inhale
Mostly just Monday morning. I think it's the combination of not being to fall asleep until after midnight and the dreaded knowledge of waking up and starting another week. I woke up at five o'clock this morning and couldn't go back to sleep. Quite irritating. Oh, and as I am typing this, the *&%$#@* enter key won't work. So this is going to be in ONE BIG BLOCK. Grrrrrrrr Damn. I do, however, have some good news. THIS is what I found when I did my OCD check at Fictionwise: Best Selling Authors: Recent 1. Anne McCaffrey2. Mandy M. Roth3. Michelle M. Pillow4. Kim Harrison5. Alan Dean Foster6. Julia Quinn7. James Rollins8. Kimberly Zant9. Marion Zimmer Bradley10. H. Beam Piper11. C'ann Inman12. Laura Anne Gilman13. Piers Anthony14. Robert Silverberg15. Lilith Saintcrow Isn't that one of the loveliest things you've ever seen? LMAO I'm hoping the numerical prettiness takes me through the rest of this day with minimal damage. *sigh* Gotta go. Hope your Monday flies by. Grins*
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Lord, I was born a rambling blog...
I plan on being all over the map today with this blog. A little bit of this, that, and the other.
So...in no particular order...
I'M #1!!!
Yes. I have achieved that goal at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. What He Wants is officially the number one bestseller for the month of July. *big grin*
Okay, I give. THAT one was in a particular order. *snickering*
Upcoming chats:
August 1st @ Coffee Time Romance 9 pm EST. That translates into 8 pm CST. The theme is Paranormal Nights. Click the little link that says "Chat now." I'm with Merris Hawk, Jaden Sinclair, and Annmarie Ortega.
I'll be chatting again at Coffee Time Romance August 6th with my fellow Whiskey Creek Press Authors. This chat will be at 8pm EST...7 pm CST.
I will be hosting my very own Author Day August 8th for the Whiskey Creek Press Readers. You can join the group to participate. Note: I'm LOTS of fun. *laughing*
My horoscope for the day:
Chrys,
Finally, here's a day that has enough weirdness in it to make you feel quite sane. You've been looking for that lost edge, a bit of excitement to spice up your routine. Now it is within reach. The lightning is striking and you are awakening from a deep slumber. Don't close your eyes and go back to sleep. Take action while you are infused with enthusiasm and inspiration.
*pumping fist in the air*
It's the GREEN LIGHT!!!
WOO!
I wrote 3000 words yesterday on PFP. Sent a Fantasy Romance off for submission. And I ran a little contest on the Torrid Reader Group that let readers have the opportunity to have a book dedicated to them. The Torrid Teaser that I want to submit either Monday or Tuesday.
So I have three lucky readers who will have their names out there for all the world to see.
I'm promoting my ass of today with announcements on all sorts of groups about What He Wants. Then I need to get back into writing the books. Going to be a very busy day.
Grins*
So...in no particular order...
I'M #1!!!
Yes. I have achieved that goal at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. What He Wants is officially the number one bestseller for the month of July. *big grin*
Okay, I give. THAT one was in a particular order. *snickering*
Upcoming chats:
August 1st @ Coffee Time Romance 9 pm EST. That translates into 8 pm CST. The theme is Paranormal Nights. Click the little link that says "Chat now." I'm with Merris Hawk, Jaden Sinclair, and Annmarie Ortega.
I'll be chatting again at Coffee Time Romance August 6th with my fellow Whiskey Creek Press Authors. This chat will be at 8pm EST...7 pm CST.
I will be hosting my very own Author Day August 8th for the Whiskey Creek Press Readers. You can join the group to participate. Note: I'm LOTS of fun. *laughing*
My horoscope for the day:
Chrys,
Finally, here's a day that has enough weirdness in it to make you feel quite sane. You've been looking for that lost edge, a bit of excitement to spice up your routine. Now it is within reach. The lightning is striking and you are awakening from a deep slumber. Don't close your eyes and go back to sleep. Take action while you are infused with enthusiasm and inspiration.
*pumping fist in the air*
It's the GREEN LIGHT!!!
WOO!
I wrote 3000 words yesterday on PFP. Sent a Fantasy Romance off for submission. And I ran a little contest on the Torrid Reader Group that let readers have the opportunity to have a book dedicated to them. The Torrid Teaser that I want to submit either Monday or Tuesday.
So I have three lucky readers who will have their names out there for all the world to see.
I'm promoting my ass of today with announcements on all sorts of groups about What He Wants. Then I need to get back into writing the books. Going to be a very busy day.
Grins*
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Strictly business
Yes. Lots of folk in Atlanta. Having a good time. Acquiring agents and such. (Go MICHELLE!)
And I'm not.
So. I'm making the best with what I have to work with. Knuckling down on this damn Contemporary Erotica. About 30,000 words in. Shooting for around 45,000.
I'm giving myself two weeks. It needs to be done by August 15th. Finished the Teaser and will submit it July 31st.
Working on the second book of the Guardian series. And the Time Travel Romance.
I'm considering finishing the TT Romance and pitching it in Houston. That might work for me. But I'm not going to let my ebooks fall to the side. Write. Write. Write some more. I don't want a lapse on either my WCP or WCP Torrid side. Steady releases. Name in the public's eye. That's my goal.
I'm working on PFP (Contemporary Erotica). Let's all hope the Diet Pepsi holds out.
Grins*
And I'm not.
So. I'm making the best with what I have to work with. Knuckling down on this damn Contemporary Erotica. About 30,000 words in. Shooting for around 45,000.
I'm giving myself two weeks. It needs to be done by August 15th. Finished the Teaser and will submit it July 31st.
Working on the second book of the Guardian series. And the Time Travel Romance.
I'm considering finishing the TT Romance and pitching it in Houston. That might work for me. But I'm not going to let my ebooks fall to the side. Write. Write. Write some more. I don't want a lapse on either my WCP or WCP Torrid side. Steady releases. Name in the public's eye. That's my goal.
I'm working on PFP (Contemporary Erotica). Let's all hope the Diet Pepsi holds out.
Grins*
Friday, July 28, 2006
Yeah, yeah, I know what I said
So then.
The answer is no. No, I haven't started on my Time Travel Romance yet. Have I meant to?
Oh yeah. The past two days. Have I even made notes? Um...no. Sure haven't.
After finishing the Torrid Teaser, I took a day or two to myself. Heard back from the agent who had OEE. She declined. Which is okay. *nodding* I expected as much. But I'm well with it.
If it's not a good fit, then let's all move on.
I've been obsessed (re: my OCD) on checking my stats. Yes. I'm special like that. *rolls eyes*
I've got the Whiskey Creek Press site. The WCP Torrid site. And Fictionwise.
What He Wants is just booking right along. It's #2 on the WCP Torrid site right now. I'm hoping for #1 this next month.
And what does this tell me?
1. Hot sells.
2. I need to get my ass in gear and finish my second full Contemporary Erotica.
I'm off to multi-task and generally make a difference. *snort*
Grins*
The answer is no. No, I haven't started on my Time Travel Romance yet. Have I meant to?
Oh yeah. The past two days. Have I even made notes? Um...no. Sure haven't.
After finishing the Torrid Teaser, I took a day or two to myself. Heard back from the agent who had OEE. She declined. Which is okay. *nodding* I expected as much. But I'm well with it.
If it's not a good fit, then let's all move on.
I've been obsessed (re: my OCD) on checking my stats. Yes. I'm special like that. *rolls eyes*
I've got the Whiskey Creek Press site. The WCP Torrid site. And Fictionwise.
What He Wants is just booking right along. It's #2 on the WCP Torrid site right now. I'm hoping for #1 this next month.
And what does this tell me?
1. Hot sells.
2. I need to get my ass in gear and finish my second full Contemporary Erotica.
I'm off to multi-task and generally make a difference. *snort*
Grins*
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Purple Prose
A term of literary criticism, purple prose is used to describe passages, or sometimes entire literary works, written in prose so overly extravagant, ornate or flowery as to break the flow and draw attention to itself.
My weakness in writing is lack of description. I freely admit that. It's something I work on with every piece.
But I would rather description be a bit sparse than to choke my story with flowery words and overflowing pages that describe every inch of every scene in the book.
I can't read books like this. And I refuse to write one.
But the balance? Yes. I can try that.
Description comes easily to some. Just the perfect color. Or the perfect accessories. Any number of extras that convey more information.
And I get flashes of this. Isn't that odd?
I remember working on Fire Goddess when the scene first flowed...description and all.
My hero and heroine are at her farm in Oklahoma, drawn to each other. And I wrote a scene that gave me goosebumps.
That is what I strive toward.
So first edit? Bare bones. Basic dialogue. Getting the story out. And when I get REAL lucky, pieces of descriptions that I don't have to work quite so hard for.
This is what I'm up against right now with my Time Travel Romance. How much description to feed in?
So I believe I'll make notes. Jot down some important stuff. And probably begin tomorrow.
Couldn't sleep last night for thinking about 2007 and what I could take for promo materials.
*grins* I love my job.
Crystal*
My weakness in writing is lack of description. I freely admit that. It's something I work on with every piece.
But I would rather description be a bit sparse than to choke my story with flowery words and overflowing pages that describe every inch of every scene in the book.
I can't read books like this. And I refuse to write one.
But the balance? Yes. I can try that.
Description comes easily to some. Just the perfect color. Or the perfect accessories. Any number of extras that convey more information.
And I get flashes of this. Isn't that odd?
I remember working on Fire Goddess when the scene first flowed...description and all.
My hero and heroine are at her farm in Oklahoma, drawn to each other. And I wrote a scene that gave me goosebumps.
That is what I strive toward.
So first edit? Bare bones. Basic dialogue. Getting the story out. And when I get REAL lucky, pieces of descriptions that I don't have to work quite so hard for.
This is what I'm up against right now with my Time Travel Romance. How much description to feed in?
So I believe I'll make notes. Jot down some important stuff. And probably begin tomorrow.
Couldn't sleep last night for thinking about 2007 and what I could take for promo materials.
*grins* I love my job.
Crystal*
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Looking ahead
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay ahead
April 2007 to be more specific. Romantic Times Convention in Houston.
Who will be there?
Me, dammit.
If I have to save my pennies from now until then...so be it. It can be a late birthday present. Or an early Christmas present. Or whatever the hell it takes to make it happen. Hmph.
EPIC has been invited to come and participate. THIS is exciting beyond all belief. Because that means that electronically published books will be well-represented. Love that.
Not that I've quit holding out hope on my lovely agents. Because I haven't. But I like to have my fingers on several pulse points at once.
So while there are those who are heading out to Atlanta to whoop it up and whatnot...I'll be obsessing over Houston. Yeah. I know. Eight months ahead of time. But, well, it's me. *grins*
While I ponder what to start next and what to work on, I'll keep an eye on the future and possible editor appointments. Something to think about when all else fails to give me that oomph I so desperately need.
I believe I'll work on three at once. I really do need to finish the Contemporary Erotica. More than halfway done. And I've finally worked out a couple of scenes that were missing.
And I think that I'll target either the Time Travel Romance or the MIRA story for the conference.
Ah.
Let the mania begin.
Grins*
April 2007 to be more specific. Romantic Times Convention in Houston.
Who will be there?
Me, dammit.
If I have to save my pennies from now until then...so be it. It can be a late birthday present. Or an early Christmas present. Or whatever the hell it takes to make it happen. Hmph.
EPIC has been invited to come and participate. THIS is exciting beyond all belief. Because that means that electronically published books will be well-represented. Love that.
Not that I've quit holding out hope on my lovely agents. Because I haven't. But I like to have my fingers on several pulse points at once.
So while there are those who are heading out to Atlanta to whoop it up and whatnot...I'll be obsessing over Houston. Yeah. I know. Eight months ahead of time. But, well, it's me. *grins*
While I ponder what to start next and what to work on, I'll keep an eye on the future and possible editor appointments. Something to think about when all else fails to give me that oomph I so desperately need.
I believe I'll work on three at once. I really do need to finish the Contemporary Erotica. More than halfway done. And I've finally worked out a couple of scenes that were missing.
And I think that I'll target either the Time Travel Romance or the MIRA story for the conference.
Ah.
Let the mania begin.
Grins*
Monday, July 24, 2006
It's about damn time
Holy hell.
It took me long enough.
Finally finished the Torrid Teaser stories.
And so commences the "I finished the damn thing happy dance."
And they're good stories. But criminey! The first one fairly spilled onto my keyboard. The second? Not. So. Damn. Much.
First story around 5500 words. The second? Almost 7000. Ack.
I had my flippin' "deadline" away message on my AOL for about five days. People were beginning to roll their eyes. lmao
Asses.
And then I'm slapped in the head with the realization that lots of writers will be heading to Atlanta. And I, unfortunately, am not one of them.
Sucks.
But I'm hoping those that go come back with lots of stories and pictures. Living vicariously, you know.
I've got to work tomorrow and the next day. Back to writing on my Time Travel Romance probably Thursday.
No rest for the wicked. Yeah, yeah. *snickering* Bite me.
Grins*
It took me long enough.
Finally finished the Torrid Teaser stories.
And so commences the "I finished the damn thing happy dance."
And they're good stories. But criminey! The first one fairly spilled onto my keyboard. The second? Not. So. Damn. Much.
First story around 5500 words. The second? Almost 7000. Ack.
I had my flippin' "deadline" away message on my AOL for about five days. People were beginning to roll their eyes. lmao
Asses.
And then I'm slapped in the head with the realization that lots of writers will be heading to Atlanta. And I, unfortunately, am not one of them.
Sucks.
But I'm hoping those that go come back with lots of stories and pictures. Living vicariously, you know.
I've got to work tomorrow and the next day. Back to writing on my Time Travel Romance probably Thursday.
No rest for the wicked. Yeah, yeah. *snickering* Bite me.
Grins*
Sunday, July 23, 2006
All wrong
No matter what I say...it's all wrong.
Funny how I can come up with the words for others but struggle in my personal life.
Ah, well.
Crystal*
Funny how I can come up with the words for others but struggle in my personal life.
Ah, well.
Crystal*
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Garden Party
I've been inundated with this term lately.
Is it Applebee's that is butchering the Ricky Nelson song for their advertisements? Probably. They like to do that to a lot of classics.
Rene used it to title her posts the other day.
As I was channel-surfing my radio, I caught the end of it on the oldies station.
I LOVE the song.
For those of you unacquainted with it...it's a song by Ricky Nelson that recalls the time he was invited to perform at a Garden Party. Everyone was there. Time to take a walk down memory lane and play all the old songs. But no one recognized him. He didn't look the same.
It's the chorus that strikes with me every time:
But it's all right now, I learned my lesson well.
You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself
Can you imagine? An icon of the fifties and sixties not fitting in? Someone whose parents embodied all that was good during that time?
You can't please everyone. You shouldn't try. It will only end in pain and disappointment for all those involved.
Writing to the market is a discussion had by everyone at one point in time. But you shouldn't. Because the market changes. It's a wily beast. Prone to fits and starts. Flooding. And it cares not who it helps or hurts. Because it doesn't feel. It just is.
As for those of us who write something a little different, *ahem*, I'm quite sure we're not appealing to our conservative friends and family. *shrug*
I learned long ago that I can't please everyone. Hell, I'd be fortunate enough to please half a dozen at one time. But I'll well with it.
Don't question your call to write what you write. Simply make your work the best you can make it.
A good book will find a home.
Humming*
Is it Applebee's that is butchering the Ricky Nelson song for their advertisements? Probably. They like to do that to a lot of classics.
Rene used it to title her posts the other day.
As I was channel-surfing my radio, I caught the end of it on the oldies station.
I LOVE the song.
For those of you unacquainted with it...it's a song by Ricky Nelson that recalls the time he was invited to perform at a Garden Party. Everyone was there. Time to take a walk down memory lane and play all the old songs. But no one recognized him. He didn't look the same.
It's the chorus that strikes with me every time:
But it's all right now, I learned my lesson well.
You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself
Can you imagine? An icon of the fifties and sixties not fitting in? Someone whose parents embodied all that was good during that time?
You can't please everyone. You shouldn't try. It will only end in pain and disappointment for all those involved.
Writing to the market is a discussion had by everyone at one point in time. But you shouldn't. Because the market changes. It's a wily beast. Prone to fits and starts. Flooding. And it cares not who it helps or hurts. Because it doesn't feel. It just is.
As for those of us who write something a little different, *ahem*, I'm quite sure we're not appealing to our conservative friends and family. *shrug*
I learned long ago that I can't please everyone. Hell, I'd be fortunate enough to please half a dozen at one time. But I'll well with it.
Don't question your call to write what you write. Simply make your work the best you can make it.
A good book will find a home.
Humming*
Friday, July 21, 2006
More reviews and writing
Got two more reviews in the inbox for What He Wants. Hot diggity! Very nice. But I'll spare y'all this afternoon. *grins*
I wrote around 2500 words yesterday. So now I only need about 2000 more today. Have to go to work this afternoon, but I'll tuck in this evening and check it out.
It's amazing. Seems like certain things go in cycles. Bad news. Good reviews. Contracts. Feeling a bit "off." All that.
I've been a bit scattered the past week or so, but now I feel as though I'm back on track and focused. I absolutely love that.
Finish up the Teaser. Work on the other Erotic Romance and my second Guardian book. Wow. It's always something, huh?
Supposed to be 110 here today. *sigh* What point to wear make-up? Um, none. So I won't. Heaven help my co-workers.
And my good news, besides all the literary stuff, today? I am now the official owner of House's first season. Oh man. Hugh Laurie. *fanning self* Let the snarkiness begin.
Grins*
I wrote around 2500 words yesterday. So now I only need about 2000 more today. Have to go to work this afternoon, but I'll tuck in this evening and check it out.
It's amazing. Seems like certain things go in cycles. Bad news. Good reviews. Contracts. Feeling a bit "off." All that.
I've been a bit scattered the past week or so, but now I feel as though I'm back on track and focused. I absolutely love that.
Finish up the Teaser. Work on the other Erotic Romance and my second Guardian book. Wow. It's always something, huh?
Supposed to be 110 here today. *sigh* What point to wear make-up? Um, none. So I won't. Heaven help my co-workers.
And my good news, besides all the literary stuff, today? I am now the official owner of House's first season. Oh man. Hugh Laurie. *fanning self* Let the snarkiness begin.
Grins*
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Ms. 4000
Naughty C'ann needs to write 4000 words today. Minimum. *grins*
Therefore, she would like to post a couple of reviews that will (hopefully) inspire her.
This is from Euro-Reviews for "School's Out" in the Summer Sizzlers Anthology:
School’s Out by C’ann Inman, 4.5 Flags
Julie had been vacationing at a nude resort for the past five years. It was a way for her to unwind and relax. If she happened to make a connection, well, so be it. When she literally stumbles upon a handsome younger man, she invites him to dinner. At dinner, she discovers that he was a former student of hers…and that she met him on the beach…while sunbathing…in the nude.
Derek’s adolescent fantasies were filled with Julie. A couple of years after he graduated, he tried to locate her but work took him away. Now that he’s found her, he wants to teach her a couple of lessons…School’s Out is another exciting and sexy story. Derek is hot…hot-like-a-coal-out-of-blazing-furnace-why-is-there-never-enough-ice-in-the-freezer kind of hot.
C’ann Inman generated so much heat with this story that it’s a miracle the pages weren’t smoking…
Reviewer: Kerin
And for What He Wants from Romance Reviews Today:
WHAT HE WANTS is a charming and engrossing romance that will capture the reader’s attention from the get-go. Diana and Sheridan are perfectly matched in every way. Sheridan knows his duty to his race is very important and he will follow the rules to the letter. But as we all know, things don't always go according to plan. Diana turns out to be a stubborn woman with a temper to match when she's pushed too far. In other words, Diana has a backbone and Sheridan doesn't know how to handle it. The poor man! He thinks life will be easy, no troubles, and that Diana will obey his wishes. Not! The relationship between Sheridan and Diana is volatile and heated. Their sexual encounters are fiery and emotional.
C'ann Inman’s WHAT HE WANTS is a bewitching story that readers will surely enjoy.
Sinclair Reid
Off to create more heat for a certain character who thinks she has everything in hand. Silly, silly woman. Ian has a mind of his own.
Grins*
Therefore, she would like to post a couple of reviews that will (hopefully) inspire her.
This is from Euro-Reviews for "School's Out" in the Summer Sizzlers Anthology:
School’s Out by C’ann Inman, 4.5 Flags
Julie had been vacationing at a nude resort for the past five years. It was a way for her to unwind and relax. If she happened to make a connection, well, so be it. When she literally stumbles upon a handsome younger man, she invites him to dinner. At dinner, she discovers that he was a former student of hers…and that she met him on the beach…while sunbathing…in the nude.
Derek’s adolescent fantasies were filled with Julie. A couple of years after he graduated, he tried to locate her but work took him away. Now that he’s found her, he wants to teach her a couple of lessons…School’s Out is another exciting and sexy story. Derek is hot…hot-like-a-coal-out-of-blazing-furnace-why-is-there-never-enough-ice-in-the-freezer kind of hot.
C’ann Inman generated so much heat with this story that it’s a miracle the pages weren’t smoking…
Reviewer: Kerin
And for What He Wants from Romance Reviews Today:
WHAT HE WANTS is a charming and engrossing romance that will capture the reader’s attention from the get-go. Diana and Sheridan are perfectly matched in every way. Sheridan knows his duty to his race is very important and he will follow the rules to the letter. But as we all know, things don't always go according to plan. Diana turns out to be a stubborn woman with a temper to match when she's pushed too far. In other words, Diana has a backbone and Sheridan doesn't know how to handle it. The poor man! He thinks life will be easy, no troubles, and that Diana will obey his wishes. Not! The relationship between Sheridan and Diana is volatile and heated. Their sexual encounters are fiery and emotional.
C'ann Inman’s WHAT HE WANTS is a bewitching story that readers will surely enjoy.
Sinclair Reid
Off to create more heat for a certain character who thinks she has everything in hand. Silly, silly woman. Ian has a mind of his own.
Grins*
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Wrap-up
Here it is. A list of everything I have out through December of this year. I waited because I literally JUST GOT the email with the contract attached for my Christmas Candy submission for WCP Torrid. WOO! *dancing*
Virtually Yours Contemporary Romance Oct 2005 WCP
"Naughty and Nice" Winter Wishes Anthology Jan 2006 WCP Torrid
"Meant To Be" and "The Arrangement" LOVE An Anthology Jan/Feb 2006 WCP
Perfect Timing Time Travel Romance Feb 2006 WCP
"Intervention" Spring Flings Anthology April 2006 WCP Torrid
What He Wants Erotic Romance June 2006 WCP Torrid
The Portrait Paranormal Romance July 2006 WCP
"School's Out" Summer Sizzlers Anthology July 2006 WCP Torrid
"What Goes Around" HATE An Anthology August 2006 WCP
"A Warmer Than Usual Autumn" Fall Fires Anthology Oct 2006 WCP Torrid
"Elf Mistress" Christmas Candy Anthology Dec 2006 WCP Torrid
*dancing some more*
Grins*
Virtually Yours Contemporary Romance Oct 2005 WCP
"Naughty and Nice" Winter Wishes Anthology Jan 2006 WCP Torrid
"Meant To Be" and "The Arrangement" LOVE An Anthology Jan/Feb 2006 WCP
Perfect Timing Time Travel Romance Feb 2006 WCP
"Intervention" Spring Flings Anthology April 2006 WCP Torrid
What He Wants Erotic Romance June 2006 WCP Torrid
The Portrait Paranormal Romance July 2006 WCP
"School's Out" Summer Sizzlers Anthology July 2006 WCP Torrid
"What Goes Around" HATE An Anthology August 2006 WCP
"A Warmer Than Usual Autumn" Fall Fires Anthology Oct 2006 WCP Torrid
"Elf Mistress" Christmas Candy Anthology Dec 2006 WCP Torrid
*dancing some more*
Grins*
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